Toolless Quick Detach Weight System for Riding Lawn Mowers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior weight distribution systems for vehicles are often complex, expensive, and interfere with operator visibility, requiring tools for installation and adjustment, which limits their practicality and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A counterweight system with a mounting bracket and locking plate that allows for tool-free installation and adjustment, featuring a pivotable locking plate that couples to a vehicle frame, enabling easy placement and removal of counterweights without tools, and configurable to minimize interference with the operator's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior weight distribution systems use traditional mounting methods, then they provide stable weight distribution, but they require tools for installation and are complex to install
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into separate components: a base bracket that attaches to the vehicle frame and a locking plate that secures the counterweight. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while achieving the overall function of tool-free installation through the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate acts as an intermediary component between the mounting bracket and the counterweight. It provides a mechanical locking action that secures the assembly without requiring tools, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining structural integrity
2Reliability
If prior weight distribution systems use extensive hardware, then they provide secure mounting, but they increase cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate combines multiple functions into a single component: it attaches to the mounting bracket, secures the counterweight, and provides the locking action. This merging reduces the number of separate hardware pieces needed while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate is designed to be self-securing through its pivot mechanism. When the counterweight is inserted, the locking plate automatically pivots into the locked position, providing secure mounting without requiring additional hardware or complex assembly steps
3Strength
If prior weight distribution systems use large mounting structures, then they provide stable support, but they interfere with operator vision
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a compact base bracket and a slender locking plate. This segmentation allows the support structure to be sufficiently strong for its function while minimizing the overall size and profile, thereby reducing interference with operator vision
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket concentrates its structural strength locally at the attachment points to the vehicle frame, while the locking plate provides minimal necessary material for its locking function. This local quality approach ensures adequate support stability without excessive material that would interfere with vision
4Reliability
If prior weight distribution systems use fixed mounting, then they provide stable weight distribution, but they are difficult to reposition or remove
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is designed with a pivot mechanism that allows it to move between a locked position (providing stable weight distribution) and an unlocked position (enabling easy repositioning or removal). This dynamic design reconciles the need for both stability during operation and ease of reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates in periodic cycles: inserted in the locked position for stable weight distribution, then manually actuated to pivot into an unlocked position for repositioning. This periodic action between locked and unlocked states provides both reliability during use and ease of operation when reconfiguration is needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for rapid, tool-free installation, adjustment, and removal of weight distribution components, reducing costs and improving operator visibility, while maintaining effectiveness in modifying vehicle weight distribution for improved traction and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot arm coupled to the mounting bracket. The pivot arm is configured to allow the locking plate to pivot about the pivot arm
Data Source
AI summary
Coupling systems and methods enable adjustable utilization of counterweights and other components on vehicles, such as riding lawn mowers. A mounting bracket and pivoting locking plate are operable to releasably secure a component, such as a counterweight, to a vehicle without the use of tools. Responsive to insertion of the component into the mounting bracket, the locking plate pivots to secure the mounting bracket to the vehicle.